49ers comprehensive camp preview: Free safety

Editor’s note: In preparation for the start of 49ers training camp in late July, we’ll go through each position and break down our projected depth chart before players compete for roles on the final 53-man roster and handicap each player’s chances at making the team. The first practice is scheduled for July 28.

The 49ers will have a new look at safety this season as they transition to a 4-3 scheme under new coordinator Robert Saleh. They’ll play with one safety deep and another in the box, making free safety arguably the most important role in the secondary.

It’s the same look employed by the Seahawks, who rely on the range of three-time All-Pro Earl Thomas to make the rest of the scheme work. Thomas’ ability to control the deep portion of the field allows Seattle’s cornerbacks to play their aggressive press style. It also allows the strong safety to work like an extra linebacker defending the run.

As the Seahawks have shown, the scheme can be incredibly effective with the right players, like Thomas, running the scheme. Here we’ll go through the 49ers options as they try to replicate “The Legion of Boom’s” success.

Jimmie Ward

(Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

The 49ers drafted Ward in the first round in 2014 after electing not to bring back cornerback Carlos Rogers in free agency, who played outside and in the slot. Ward began his career as the team’s primary slot corner – arguably the most difficult job in the secondary – before transitioning to cornerback along the boundary last season.

Ward this year is going back to his college position of free safety after the club picked up his fifth-year option for 2018 in the spring, which indicates the new front office is intrigued by Ward at his new position. Ward came into the NFL showcasing the range, ball skills and willingness to tackle at Northern Illinois.

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But Ward (5-11, 193) must prove to be durable. He missed the second half of his rookie season after suffering a Jones fracture in his foot, which was the second such injury in the calendar year of 2014. His second season was the only campaign in which he appeared in all 16 games. Ward ended last season on injured reserve with a fractured collar bone after missing three games earlier in the year with a quad injury.